Overview
Applications are open for the 2027 Switzer Fellowship, offering a US$18,000 cash award, leadership training, professional development opportunities, and access to a network of environmental leaders. The fellowship supports graduate students in the United States and U.S. territories whose academic and career goals focus on environmental improvement, social equity, and practical environmental problem-solving. Each year, 20 fellows are selected from hundreds of applicants.
Complete fellowship details
About The 2027 Switzer Fellowship
Applications are open for the 2027 Switzer Fellowship, offering a US$18,000 cash award, leadership training, professional development opportunities, and access to a network of environmental leaders.
The fellowship supports graduate students in the United States and U.S. territories whose academic and career goals focus on environmental improvement, social equity, and practical environmental problem-solving.
Each year, 20 fellows are selected from hundreds of applicants.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive:
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US$18,000 unrestricted cash award, paid in two installments.
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Leadership training through two multi-day retreats.
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Career coaching and professional guidance.
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Access to the Switzer Network of more than 800 fellows.
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Networking and collaboration opportunities.
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Access to additional leadership and professional development grants.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
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Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, refugees, or asylees. International students are not eligible.
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Be enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in the United States or U.S. territories.
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Plan to remain enrolled throughout the 2027–2028 academic year.
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Demonstrate strong academic qualifications and commitment to environmental improvement.
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Show leadership potential and commitment to social equity.
Additional academic requirements include:
Master’s students: Must have completed at least one semester or quarter of coursework by the end of 2026. Applicants in qualifying one-year Master’s programmes may apply before enrollment, subject to acceptance before interviews.
Ph.D. students: Must have completed qualifying examinations by the application deadline.
Students enrolled in online programmes are not eligible.
Eligible Fields Of Study
The fellowship welcomes applicants working in environmental and social change fields, including:
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Environmental Science and Conservation
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Climate Change and Sustainability
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Environmental Policy and Law
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Environmental Justice
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Public Health
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Economics and Business
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Environmental Planning
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Advocacy and Community Development
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on environmental commitment, applied focus, innovative problem-solving, leadership potential, collaboration, social equity awareness, and communication skills.
Applicants from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in environmental graduate programmes are strongly encouraged to apply.
Fellowship Requirements
Successful fellows must attend two in-person retreats during the fellowship year, participate in Switzer Network activities, and submit a brief final report.
Fellowship funds may be used for tuition, university fees, living expenses, and education- or research-related costs.
Application Deadline And Selection Process
Application Deadline: 14 December 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Shortlisted applicants will participate in virtual interviews in May 2027, with award notifications expected in June.
How to apply
Eligible applicants should review the fellowship guidelines, selection criteria, and application requirements on the official Switzer Foundation website.
Apply for the 2027 Switzer Fellowship — Official Website
Eligibility requirements
Applicants must:
-
Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, refugees, or asylees. International students are not eligible.
-
Be enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in the United States or U.S. territories.
-
Plan to remain enrolled throughout the 2027–2028 academic year.
-
Demonstrate strong academic qualifications and commitment to environmental improvement.
-
Show leadership potential and commitment to social equity.
Additional academic requirements include:
Master’s students: Must have completed at least one semester or quarter of coursework by the end of 2026. Applicants in qualifying one-year Master’s programmes may apply before enrollment, subject to acceptance before interviews.
Ph.D. students: Must have completed qualifying examinations by the application deadline.
Students enrolled in online programmes are not eligible.
The fellowship welcomes applicants working in environmental and social change fields, including:
-
Environmental Science and Conservation
-
Climate Change and Sustainability
-
Environmental Policy and Law
-
Environmental Justice
-
Public Health
-
Economics and Business
-
Environmental Planning
-
Advocacy and Community Development
Applications are evaluated based on environmental commitment, applied focus, innovative problem-solving, leadership potential, collaboration, social equity awareness, and communication skills.
Applicants from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in environmental graduate programmes are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful fellows must attend two in-person retreats during the fellowship year, participate in Switzer Network activities, and submit a brief final report.
Fellowship funds may be used for tuition, university fees, living expenses, and education- or research-related costs.
Tips for this fellowship
Practical JobOpportunity guidance. These tips do not replace official rules or create new eligibility requirements.
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